Budget opponents up their ads and mailers

A Strong Economy for All, the group of labor unions led by the AFL-CIO that is pushing for the continuation of an income tax surcharge on New Yorkers earning over $200,000 (or a $1 million, as the colloquial name for the tax suggest) has launched mailers and radio ads in a new blitz.

This coalition got active after March 1, so they weren’t included in this analysis of spending in January and February. During those months, the pro-Cuomo Committee to Save New York outspent all the principal critics of the governor’s budget.

Voice 2. The State Senator? Stephen Saland? Not clear, but looks like it.

Voice 1: Good. We need his vote to end the millionaire’s tax, and give fat cats like us a big break.

Voice 2: Right, Saland is key. With his vote to end the millionaire’s tax, I can buy a new yacht.

Voice 1: And I can buy a new Rolls.

Voice 2: He’ll take care of our buddies on Wall Street too?

Voice 1: I’d hope so – we rich guys have to stick together – or they’ll be expecting us to pay our, er, fair share. (haughty laugh)

Gatsby Music up

Voice 3 (female): Before they get to Senator Stephen Saland, you can give him a call and tell him to keep the millionaire’s tax — instead of cutting funding for children and seniors. Ending the millionaire’s tax would mean a huge new tax break for millionaires, while the rest of us have to sacrifice. Call Senator Stephen Saland now at 518-455-2411. Tell him to stand up to the millionaires.